ANALYSIS OF HOUSE BILL 2199

          Establishing a hepatitis A vaccination plan.

Health Care Committee                             March 1, 1999

Washington State House of Representatives

SPONSORS:  Representatives Boldt and Cody.

BACKGROUND:  The state of Washington ranks among the top ten states with a high rate of hepatitis, a serious viral disease of the liver that increases in severity with age.  The most effective means of preventing the disease is through universal immunization.  The federal Centers for Disease Control makes available to states with a high incidence of hepatitis a vaccination program without cost.

SUMMARY:  The Department of Health is directed to seek funding for a Hepatitis A vaccination plan through the federal Centers for Disease Control=s Vaccination for Children Program.  Upon the receipt of federal funding, the department is required to promptly implement the vaccination program consistent with the requirements of the Centers for Disease Control.